If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, one of the first questions you might ask is: How much do food and drinks cost in Turkey in 2026?

I still remember visiting Turkey for the first time back in 2015, when 1 US Dollar was worth around 2.5 Turkish Liras and 1 British Pound around 4 Liras.

Today, the same currencies buy around 48 and 65 Turkish Liras respectively.

That sounds dramatic — and it is. Turkey has experienced very high inflation and significant currency depreciation over the past decade. But there is an important point for travelers: a higher number of Turkish Liras does not automatically mean Turkey has become expensive compared with Western Europe or North America.

Turkey is still a relatively affordable destination for food, especially if you eat where locals eat and avoid the most touristy restaurants.

However, Turkey is not as cheap as it was five or ten years ago. Food prices have risen considerably, and your budget should reflect today’s prices rather than prices from a few years ago.

So, how much should you actually expect to spend on food in Turkey in 2026?

Let’s take a look.

A Funny Memory From My First Trip to Turkey

One of my most memorable food experiences from that first trip was actually at Nusr-Et.

Back in 2015, I tried the famous Lokum Burger — and I still remember how ridiculously cheap it seemed by today’s standards. I paid just ₺30, which was roughly €10 at the time.

Today, ₺30 wouldn’t even come close to covering a meal at a restaurant like Nusr-Et!

It’s a funny little reminder of just how much prices have changed — and how much the Turkish Lira has lost in value — over the past decade.

Explore Turkish Cuisine

• Turkish Cuisine is Famous Worldwide Thanks to These 9 Dishes
• Most Popular Turkish Street Food
• Turkish Breakfast
• 10 Delicious Turkish Foods You Must Try in Turkey
• Unique Foods & Drinks of Turkey
• Food Habits of Turkish People
• Restaurants You Should Not Miss When Coming to Turkey
• 10 Street Foods in Istanbul to Try When Coming to Turkey

Table of Contents

• Context: Inflation & Currency
• Restaurant Prices in Turkey
• 15 Most Popular Turkish Dishes & Their Prices
• Grocery Prices – Cooking for Yourself
• Drinks: Turkish Coffee, Çay or Şalgam?
• How Much Does Food Cost Per Day?
• Budget Traveler
• Mid-Range Traveler
• Comfortable Traveler
• Smart Tips for Eating in Turkey
• FAQ — Turkey Food & Drink Prices in 2026

Context: Inflation & Currency

Turkey has experienced significant inflation over the last several years. As a result, prices in Turkish Lira can look surprisingly high to visitors who remember traveling to Turkey a few years ago.

According to the latest official figures available in September 2026, Turkey’s annual consumer inflation rate was 31.51% in August 2026, while food and non-alcoholic beverage prices were up 33.79% year-on-year.

At the same time, the Turkish Lira has lost considerable value against major international currencies.

Exchange Rates in September 2026

For a simple reference, around September 7, 2026:

• $1 USD ≈ ₺48.4
• €1 EUR ≈ ₺56.3
• £1 GBP ≈ ₺65.5

Exchange rates change every day, so use these figures as an approximate guide rather than a fixed rate.

This means that a ₺500 meal is approximately $10.30 / €8.90 / £7.60.

So don’t let the large numbers in Turkish Lira scare you!

The important thing is to look at the actual cost in your own currency — and, of course, remember that prices vary considerably between Istanbul, smaller cities, tourist areas and local neighborhoods.

Restaurant Prices in Turkey in 2026

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make when researching Turkey is assuming there is one standard restaurant price.

There isn’t.

A meal at a small esnaf lokantası — a traditional local restaurant serving home-style dishes — can be dramatically cheaper than dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus.

In Istanbul, a local esnaf lokantası meal can cost around ₺250–500, while a typical mid-range sit-down restaurant can cost around ₺500–1,500 per person, before drinks.

Here is a more realistic guide for travelers:

These are indicative prices, not fixed national prices. Istanbul’s tourist districts can be substantially more expensive.

My Tip

Tourist areas often come with a significant markup.

In Istanbul, be particularly careful around places such as:

• Sultanahmet
• The Grand Bazaar
• İstiklal Avenue
• Galata
• Popular waterfront areas

Instead, walk a few streets away from the main tourist attractions and look for restaurants filled with Turkish customers.

You will often find better prices and more authentic food.

15 Most Popular Turkish Dishes to Try in 2026

If you’re visiting Turkey, eating your way through the country is almost as important as sightseeing!

From smoky Adana kebab and crispy lahmacun to syrupy baklava and gooey künefe, Turkish cuisine offers an incredible variety of dishes.

Prices vary considerably depending on the city, restaurant and neighborhood. The figures below are typical September 2026 prices for one portion or serving, using Istanbul as the main reference.

You can often pay less in local neighborhood restaurants and considerably more in tourist areas or upscale establishments.

These are broad traveler-friendly estimates rather than official nationwide prices. Prices can vary substantially between casual local restaurants and upscale or tourist-oriented establishments.

A Few Dishes You Absolutely Shouldn’t Miss

Döner Kebab

You probably already know döner, but eating it in Turkey is a completely different experience from grabbing a kebab abroad.

You can order it as a sandwich, dürüm (wrapped in flatbread) or on a plate with rice, salad and other sides.

Expect around ₺250–500 ($5–10 / €4.45–8.90 / £3.80–7.65) for a typical serving in Istanbul, although premium restaurants can charge considerably more.

Adana Kebab

Named after the city of Adana in southern Turkey, this is one of the country’s most famous kebabs.

It is made with minced meat, traditionally lamb, mixed with spices and grilled over charcoal. The result is smoky, juicy and slightly spicy.

A typical restaurant portion in Istanbul can cost around ₺450–900 ($9–19 / €8–16 / £7–14) in 2026.

Lahmacun

Sometimes nicknamed “Turkish pizza”, although it isn’t really pizza, lahmacun is a very thin piece of dough topped with minced meat, tomato, pepper and herbs.

It’s one of the best choices when you’re looking for something delicious and inexpensive.

A simple lahmacun can still be found for around ₺100–200 ($2–4 / €1.80–3.55 / £1.50–3.05) in casual restaurants, while more upscale restaurants can charge ₺250–350 or more.

Pide

Pide is another Turkish classic: a boat-shaped piece of dough baked in a stone oven and topped with ingredients such as minced meat, diced lamb, cheese or vegetables.

Expect approximately ₺200–600 ($4–12 / €3.55–10.65 / £3–9), depending on the filling and restaurant.

Mantı

If you love dumplings, don’t leave Turkey without trying mantı.

These tiny meat-filled dumplings are traditionally served with garlic yogurt and a buttery tomato or pepper sauce.

A portion generally costs around ₺350–700 ($7–14 / €6.20–12.45 / £5.35–10.70) in Istanbul in 2026.

Künefe

And now for dessert!

Künefe is one of my personal favorites. It is made with shredded kadayıf pastry, melted unsalted cheese, syrup and usually pistachios.

It is served hot — and that’s exactly how you should eat it.

In 2026, expect around ₺150–350 ($3–7 / €2.65–6.20 / £2.30–5.35) at a casual restaurant, although upscale establishments can charge considerably more.

Baklava

Of course, no list of Turkish food would be complete without baklava.

Pistachio baklava (fıstıklı baklava) is particularly popular. In Istanbul, a single piece can cost around ₺60–150 ($1.25–3.10 / €1.05–2.65 / £0.90–2.30), while premium versions from famous pastry shops can be considerably more expensive.

Turkish Delight — Lokum

Finally, don’t forget lokum, the famous Turkish delight.

It makes a great souvenir because it is easy to transport and comes in countless flavors, including rose, lemon, pistachio and pomegranate.

Prices vary mainly according to quality and the amount of pistachios or other premium ingredients. For a good-quality product, budget roughly ₺300–700 per kilogram ($6–14 / €5.35–12.45 / £4.60–10.70), with luxury gift boxes costing more.

And if you’re wondering which dishes to prioritize on your first trip, my personal shortlist would be:

Adana kebab, döner, lahmacun, pide, mantı, İskender kebab, künefe and pistachio baklava.

You can worry about the diet when you get home!

Grocery Prices – Cooking for Yourself

For my first trip to Istanbul, I spent eight days in an Airbnb just steps away from Taksim Square.

I loved having a kitchen. Even though I’m a huge fan of street food and tried countless restaurants, I also cooked sometimes or bought ingredients for a quick meal at home.

If you’re staying in an apartment or Airbnb, shopping at supermarkets and local markets can save you quite a bit of money.

Here are realistic 2026 Istanbul grocery prices to give you an idea.

Prices vary significantly depending on the supermarket, brand, neighborhood and season.

Supermarket or Local Market?

For fresh fruit and vegetables, don’t automatically assume the supermarket is the cheapest option.

Local pazar markets can offer excellent prices, particularly for seasonal produce.

For packaged products and everyday staples, discount chains such as BİM, ŞOK and A101 are often worth checking.

If you’re staying in Istanbul for several days and have access to a kitchen, buying breakfast ingredients, fruit, drinks and snacks from a local supermarket can significantly reduce your food budget.

Drinks: Turkish Coffee, Çay or Şalgam?

Turkey has an amazing drinking culture, and you don’t need to spend much to enjoy it.

Turkish tea (çay) is one of the cheapest options, while specialty coffee in trendy Istanbul cafés can be considerably more expensive.

And if you’re eating kebab or other savory dishes, don’t forget to try şalgam!

Şalgam is a traditional fermented turnip-based drink, usually served cold and often available in spicy (acı) or mild versions.

Typical Drink Prices in Turkey in 2026

These prices are indicative and can be considerably higher in upscale cafés, hotel restaurants and tourist areas.

Don’t Miss Turkish Tea

If you sit down at a traditional tea garden (çay bahçesi) or local café, ordering a glass of çay is one of the easiest ways to experience everyday Turkish culture.

And yes, you’ll probably end up ordering another one.

How Much Does Food Cost Per Day in Turkey?

So, how much money should you actually budget for food?

The answer depends heavily on your travel style.

A traveler eating mostly street food and local dishes can spend considerably less than someone having breakfast at a trendy café and dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

Here are three realistic examples for 2026.

1. Budget Traveler: ₺800–1,200 per Day

If you are happy eating street food, local restaurants and inexpensive breakfasts, you can keep your food budget relatively low.

Example Day

Breakfast: ₺100–200
Simple bakery breakfast, simit, çay or a small local breakfast.

Lunch: ₺250–400
Esnaf lokantası, döner, pide or another inexpensive local meal.

Dinner: ₺300–450
Another local restaurant or generous street-food meal.

Snacks & drinks: ₺100–150

Total: approximately ₺800–1,200 per person/day

That’s roughly:

$17–25 / €14–21 / £12–18

This is realistic if you deliberately choose local places and don’t spend your entire day in tourist restaurants.

2. Mid-Range Traveler: ₺1,500–2,500 per Day

This is probably the most useful budget for many visitors.

You can have a proper Turkish breakfast, eat lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy dinner at a good sit-down restaurant and stop for coffee during the day.

Example Day

Breakfast: ₺300–650
Depending on whether you have a simple breakfast or a full Turkish kahvaltı.

Lunch: ₺400–600

Dinner: ₺600–1,000

Coffee, drinks & snacks: ₺200–300

Total: approximately ₺1,500–2,500 per person/day

That’s roughly:

$31–52 / €27–44 / £23–38

A full Turkish breakfast can be surprisingly substantial, so don’t assume breakfast will always be the cheapest meal.

3. Comfortable Traveler: ₺2,500–4,500+ per Day

If you prefer nice restaurants, specialty coffee shops, generous breakfasts and don’t want to think too much about prices, budget more.

Example Day

Breakfast: ₺500–800

Lunch: ₺700–1,000

Dinner: ₺1,000–1,800

Drinks & snacks: ₺300–500

Total: approximately ₺2,500–4,500+ per person/day

That’s approximately:

$52–93+ / €44–80+ / £38–69+

And of course, if you choose high-end restaurants, hotel restaurants or famous dining spots, you can spend considerably more.

Smart Tips for Eating in Turkey

1. Eat Where Locals Eat

One of the easiest ways to save money is simply to avoid restaurants designed exclusively for tourists.

Look for:

• Esnaf lokantası
• Small family restaurants
• Busy neighborhood restaurants
• Traditional pide restaurants
• Local kebab shops

A busy restaurant full of Turkish customers is usually a good sign.

2. Walk Away From the Main Attractions

The restaurant immediately opposite a major tourist attraction often has very different prices from the restaurant two or three streets away.

This is particularly noticeable in Istanbul.

If you’re in Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar area, İstiklal or around major waterfront attractions, compare menus before sitting down.

3. Check the Menu Before Ordering

This sounds obvious, but it’s worth repeating.

Always check the price before ordering, especially at street-food stalls, waterfront restaurants and tourist-oriented establishments.

4. Don’t Assume Every Turkish Breakfast Is Cheap

A simple breakfast from a bakery can be inexpensive.

A full Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) is a completely different story.

A large spread of cheeses, olives, eggs, jams, breads and other dishes can easily cost several hundred lira per person in Istanbul.

5. Shop at Local Markets

If you have a kitchen, buy fruit, vegetables and other fresh ingredients at a local pazar.

For packaged goods, compare prices between discount supermarkets and larger supermarkets.

6. Carry Some Cash

Cards are widely accepted in Istanbul and other major tourist destinations, but cash is still useful for:

• Street vendors
• Small cafés
• Local markets
• Small neighborhood restaurants
• Tips

7. Remember That Prices Change

This is particularly important in Turkey.

Because inflation remains high, prices can change noticeably from one year to another — and sometimes from one season to another.

The latest official data available in September 2026 showed annual inflation of 31.51%, with food and non-alcoholic beverages increasing 33.79% over the previous year.

So don’t rely on a blog post from 2022, 2023 or even early 2026 when planning your budget.

FAQ — Turkey Food & Drink Prices 2026

Is food expensive in Turkey in 2026?

Turkey is still relatively affordable compared with many Western European destinations, but it is no longer the extremely cheap destination it once was.

You can eat very cheaply if you choose local restaurants, street food and markets.

In Istanbul, a local esnaf lokantası meal can cost around ₺250–500 ($5–10 / €4.45–8.90 / £3.80–7.65), while a mid-range restaurant can cost approximately ₺500–1,500 ($10–31 / €9–27 / £8–23) per person before drinks.

How Much Should I Budget Per Day for Food in Turkey?

As a general guide for 2026:

• Budget traveler: ₺800–1,200 ($17–25 / €14–21 / £12–18) per person/day
• Mid-range traveler: ₺1,500–2,500 ($31–52 / €27–44 / £23–38) per person/day
• Comfortable traveler: ₺2,500–4,500+ ($52–93+ / €44–80+ / £38–69+) per person/day

I would use these figures as a starting point rather than a strict budget.

How Much Does a Döner Cost in Turkey in 2026?

In Istanbul, a döner meal can cost roughly ₺300–500 ($6–10 / €5.35–8.90 / £4.60–7.65), depending on the portion, meat, neighborhood and restaurant.

A simple döner from a local establishment can be cheaper, while a large plated döner in a tourist area can cost considerably more.

How Much Is a Turkish Breakfast in Turkey?

A simple breakfast can be inexpensive, but a traditional Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) is much more substantial.

In Istanbul, a full Turkish breakfast can start at around ₺650 ($13.40 / €11.55 / £9.90) per person in 2026 and can be considerably more expensive at popular cafés or restaurants.

How Much Does Turkish Tea Cost?

A glass of çay is generally one of the cheapest drinks you can order.

As a rough 2026 guide, expect around ₺15–35 ($0.30–0.70 / €0.25–0.60 / £0.25–0.55) in an ordinary local café, although prices can be higher in tourist areas.

How Much Does Turkish Coffee Cost?

A small Turkish coffee typically costs around ₺60–100 ($1.25–2.05 / €1.05–1.80 / £0.90–1.55), with specialty cafés and tourist locations charging more.

What Is Şalgam and How Much Does It Cost?

Şalgam is a traditional Turkish fermented turnip drink, usually served cold and often available as spicy (acı) or mild.

A small bottle or serving of around 300–330 ml typically costs approximately ₺45–70 ($0.95–1.45 / €0.80–1.25 / £0.70–1.05) in 2026.

It is particularly popular alongside kebabs and other savory dishes.

Where Can I Eat Cheaply in Turkey?

Look for:

• Esnaf lokantası
• Local kebab restaurants
• Pide restaurants
• Street-food stalls
• Bakeries (fırın)
• Neighborhood cafés
• Local markets

In Istanbul, exploring neighborhoods away from the main tourist attractions can make a noticeable difference to your food budget.

How Much Do Groceries Cost in Turkey?

For Istanbul in 2026, rough prices include:

• Bread (500 g): ₺30–60 ($0.60–1.25 / €0.55–1.05 / £0.45–0.90)
• Milk (1 L): ₺45–70 ($0.95–1.45 / €0.80–1.25 / £0.70–1.05)
• Rice (1 kg): ₺80–150 ($1.65–3.10 / €1.40–2.65 / £1.20–2.30)
• Eggs (12): ₺100–180 ($2.05–3.70 / €1.80–3.20 / £1.55–2.75)
• Chicken (1 kg): ₺200–300 ($4.15–6.20 / €3.55–5.35 / £3.05–4.60)
• Beef (1 kg): ₺750–1,300 ($15.50–26.85 / €13.30–23.10 / £11.45–19.85)

Prices can vary substantially between supermarkets, local markets, brands and neighborhoods.

Is Turkey Still Cheap Compared With Europe?

For many travelers, yes.

Turkey can still offer excellent value for local food, street food and everyday dining compared with many major Western European cities.

But don’t expect 2015 prices.

The combination of inflation and currency depreciation means that prices in Turkish Lira have increased dramatically over the last decade.

The best way to save money is not simply to convert everything into euros or dollars — it’s to eat like a local.

Should I Worry About the Turkish Lira Depreciation?

Not necessarily.

A weaker Turkish Lira can make Turkey attractive to visitors earning in stronger currencies, but remember that local prices also rise with inflation.

In other words, currency depreciation does not mean that everything becomes cheaper for tourists.

Your best strategy is to check current prices shortly before your trip and leave some flexibility in your budget.

Is Turkey Still a Good Destination for Food Lovers?

Absolutely!

From inexpensive street food to elaborate restaurant meals, Turkey offers an enormous variety of dishes at different price points.

Whether you’re eating a ₺30 simit, trying your first Adana kebab, enjoying a traditional Turkish breakfast or finishing your meal with a plate of künefe, food is one of the best parts of traveling around Turkey.

Final Thoughts: Is Turkey Still Affordable in 2026?

Yes — but with a little perspective.

Turkey is no longer the incredibly cheap destination many travelers remember from ten years ago.

Prices have risen significantly, particularly for food and restaurant meals.

But you can still eat very well without spending a fortune.

A simple breakfast, a local lunch, a delicious döner, a glass of çay or a traditional şalgam can all be enjoyed without blowing your travel budget.

The key is to eat where locals eat, explore neighborhood restaurants, use local markets and avoid assuming that the restaurant with the best tourist location offers the best value.

For most travelers, a food budget of around ₺1,500–2,500 ($31–52 / €27–44 / £23–38) per person per day is a comfortable starting point in 2026 if you want a mix of local food, restaurants, coffee and snacks.

And honestly, that’s one of the things I still love most about traveling around Turkey: you don’t need a huge budget to eat incredibly well.

Enjoy your trip — and don’t forget to try the şalgam!

Explore More Turkish Food Content

• Turkish Cuisine is Famous Worldwide Thanks to These 9 Dishes
• Most Popular Turkish Street Food
• Turkish Breakfast
• 10 Delicious Turkish Foods You Must Try in Turkey
• Unique Foods & Drinks of Turkey
• Food Habits of Turkish People
• Restaurants You Should Not Miss When Coming to Turkey
• 10 Street Foods in Istanbul to Try When Coming to Turkey

If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, one of the first questions you might ask is: How much do food and drinks cost?

I still remember visiting Turkey for the first time back in 2015, when 1$ was worth about 2.5 ₺(Turkish Lira) and 1£ around 4. Today, that same dollar buys you over 46₺, and 1£ gets you over 62₺. Prices seems to be much lower then. Over the last ten years, inflation and economic changes have pushed prices up, and the Turkish Lira has depreciated significantly. But don’t be intimidated by high numbers prices ! If you avoid the tourist traps, Turkey remains an affordable country. Let’s dive in !

Explore Turkish Cuisine:

• Turkish Cuisine is Famous Worldwide Thanks to These 9 Dishes
• Most Popular Turkish Street Food 2024
• Turkish Breakfast 2024
• 10 Delicious Turkish Foods You Must Try in Turkey
• Unique Foods & Drinks of Turkey
• Food Habits of Turkish People
• Restaurants You Should Not Miss When Coming to Turkey
• 10 Street Foods in Istanbul to Try When Coming to Turkey